We have just returned from a four night stay in Marrakech and a wonderful stay in Riad Monika. I don't think I have ever researched as much on any place we have visited as I did with Marrakech and in choosing a Riad. There is a staggering amount of information out there which at times made me a little nervous in travelling. BUT I should not have had any worries as we had a truely wonderful trip and had made all the right choices.
The Riad is perfectly located. You can wander through the narrow streets, through the souks and arrive at Jamaa el Naa in about 20 mins. During this walk we did not get hassled or tugged at, and once we memorized landmarks, we found our way back no problem.
Very important plus with Riad Monika is that Zouhair (such a gentleman!) will call a petite taxi for you which will pull up directly outside the Riad's door and take you anywhere (we travelled to La Mamounia Hotel, Le Grand Cafe de la Poste, and Dar Rhizlane (very disappointing food). The driver would return and collect us when we wanted him to and he would bring us back to the Riad where we would then pay him for entire trip. Faultless!
The Riad itself is beautiful but this has been said in many reviews. The entire staff are friendly and helpful. Zouhair is there to help you and nothing is too much trouble for him.
Our room was the Suite Hayat and it was beautiful. It was located up the short stairs directly inside the Riad's door so it could be a little noisy at times but we got used to it. The 5am call to prayer was loud in itself.... but if you want the full medina experience, I don't think you can avoid this. Now that we are home, I am so glad we stayed within the walls.
We did the Atlas Mountain, Berber Village, Waterfall trip with Abdulah who was a super guide with excellent knowledge and English.
The rest of our trip was simply enjoying the Marrakech experience. There is no need to be any way more cautious than you would be when visiting another other large city. It was wonderful! It is not full of flies or local people dragging you or trying to scam you, it is alive and exciting and I am so glad we visited it. Would love to return again and would stay at Riad Monika again when we do,
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.